BEIJING:Syrian rebels have fired mortars at President Bashar al-Assad’s palace in Damascus, but missed their target.

It can’t be verified whether Assad was at home when the attack happened. Heavy-calibre shells aimed at the palace instead hit a nearby residential district. Media reports say at least 3 people were killed and 7 more injured.

Meanwhile, amateur video shows members of the opposition unit called the Houran Brigade, firing at the palace. Smoke was said to be rising near the target as a result. An Islamist opposition unit has admitted it targeted but missed the palace.